Kate Gosselin has survived one Jon-less year. As for how she and their eight kids are coping, she says, "We're getting there." And, in anticipation of their return to TLC this Sunday in their new special, Kate Plus 8, Gosselin credits all the "good" that has come their way.

"There's been so much change, there's been so much unexpected things, obviously, that came our way, there's been so much good," she says. "I think the kids and I have had a chance, really, by this point to step back and really learn about ourselves and pull together as a unit."

Speaking to Meredith Vieira on Friday's Today show about her recent spate of drama, divorce and a little dancing (with stars), Gosselin, 35, says she is moving forward after 2009 left her life "in shambles." By contrast, she insists, 2010 is a "year of positivity."

And while Kate says that Jon has "rescinded" and "dropped" the custody battle that was looming over her and their children – twins Cara and Mady and sextuplets Alexis, Hannah, Leah, Aaden, Collin and Joel – her ex's "peaceful … amicable" current behavior may be subject to change, she notes.

"Jon's decisions remain Jon's decisions," she says, with a tinge of exasperation after Vieria posed a question about Jon's new girlfriend. "It's just for me to help the kids deal with it … They ask me questions where his girlfriends are concerned, and it's just a situation that I have to deal with with them."

Which begged the question – now that Jon's dating, what about Kate?

"No," she says. "I don't feel like it's time. I feel my kids need so much of me that I need to be there for them. Personally, I don't feel ready to move forward."